American Airlines has sadly announced that its former flight attendant Bette Nash has died aged 88.
In 2022, Bette was bestowed with the title of the world’s longest serving flight attendant by the Guinness World Records and was known as a formidable character in the aviation world.
In poignant post on social media on May 25, 2024, American Airlines said: “We mourn the passing of Bette Nash, who spent nearly seven decades warmly caring for our customers in the air. She started in 1957 and held the Guinness World Record for longest-serving flight attendant.”
The airline added: “Bette inspired generations of flight attendants. Fly high, Bette.”
Bette began flying for Eastern Airlines in 1957 and spent most of her career running domestic routes on the east coast so she could be home with her family in the evenings.
We mourn the passing of Bette Nash, who spent nearly seven decades warmly caring for our customers in the air. She started in 1957 and held the Guinness World Record for longest-serving flight attendant. Bette inspired generations of flight attendants. Fly high, Bette. pic.twitter.com/XFTXyvsqFI
— americanair (@AmericanAir) May 25, 2024
It is understood that Bette left American Airlines and had been battling cancer before she passed away.
The Association of Professional Flight Attendants also paid tribute to Bette in an emotional message.
Remembering DCA-based Flight Attendant Bette Nash. Bette’s career spanned six decades, starting with Eastern Airlines in 1957. She touched many with her warmth, dedication, and service.
— Association of Professional Flight Attendants (@APFAunity) May 25, 2024
RIP, Bette. You won’t be forgotten. #1u pic.twitter.com/DGXh3Lp6IU
“Remembering DCA-based Flight Attendant Bette Nash. Bette’s career spanned six decades, starting with Eastern Airlines in 1957. She touched many with her warmth, dedication, and service. RIP, Bette. You won’t be forgotten,” the union wrote.
In an interview with CBS in 2017, Bette said: “The people are exactly the same. Everybody needs a little love.”